Karen Kay (Stikes) Fender

Karen Kay Stikes Fender, age 67, of 1366 Elk Knob Road, Laurel Springs, NC; passed away Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 at Alleghany Health in Sparta, NC.

Karen was born January 1st, 1956 in Ashe County, NC to the late James Russell "Russ" Stikes and Francis "Frankie" Caroline Medley Stikes. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Larry Dale Evans, Jr.; brothers: Spencer Medley, Willard W. Stikes, Jerry Dale Stikes; a daughter-in-law, Michelle Evans; father-in-law, R.L. Fender. Karen enjoyed shopping and most of all, spoiling her grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her husband of 43 years, Robert Lee Fender, Jr.; three children: Micheal Evans and Robin of Laurel Springs, Timmy Evans of Boone, Crystal Evans of Sparta; two step-children: Robert J. Fender and Jennifer of Fries, Va., Mary and Charlie Cecil of Sparta; grandchildren: Nicole Edwards, Summer Griffin and Brian Grimmes, Pepe and Joani De-Leon, Lulu Fender, Sam Stikes, Kimmie Evans, Donny Fender, Rosi and Manny Reyes, Mikey and Shelby Evans, Janie Fender; a special great-granddaughter, Millie Reyes along with ten other great-grandchildren and three unborn great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; mother-in-law, Susie Fender; sisters-in-law: Nancy Stikes of McGrady, Eva Fender of Sparta, Mary Hines and husband Eddie of Sparta; her canine companion, Rex; extended family and friends also survive.

Funeral Services to honor the life of Karen will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Brian Severt and Brother Ed Hall officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church and other times at the residence.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery Trust Fund, PO Box 942 Sparta, NC 28675.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to their neighbor, Don Mabe.

Thomas Family Funeral Service is honored to be serving the Fender Family. If you wish, online tributes may be extended to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.

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